YouSaid · the spoken record

Jagne

lines on the record: 307
first: 1998-06-06
most recent: 2003-03-18
sittings or episodes: 55
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We have seen resolutions for the deployment of a peacekeeping operation prepared and adopted within as few as two days. To ask for the same treatment might be seen as unrealistic, and we would accept simply that African issues, like all other issues, should be given the urgent, full and proper treatment they deserve. We have said so over and over again in the Council: approach all issues, irrespective of where the conflicts are, with the same zeal, with the same enthusiasm. My delegation has always said in the Council that a life in Angola or the Democratic Republic of the Congo or elsewhere in Africa is no less precious than a life in Kosovo or East Timor or elsewhere in another continent. Nobody is saying that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is simple: nobody is saying that.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Not too long ago, President Chiluba of Zambia participated in a Security Council meeting similar to this one. One of his main contributions to the debate was to note the need for the Security Council to deploy peacekeeping troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as soon as possible. Yesterday, during our debate here on partnership with Africa, the Permanent Representative of South Africa told us that the litmus test of the Security Council's commitment to conflict resolution in Africa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It could not have been clearer. We have seen how conflicts in other parts of the world have been addressed. We are not trying to draw parallels here, but let us face the facts. We are not asking the Council to do the impossible.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We hope that former President Ketumile Masire of Botswana, who has now been identified by the parties as a potential facilitator, will accept that position so that we can move on. My delegation believes that as we remind the parties of their obligations and of the need for commitment, we should equally remind ourselves of our own obligations and should see to it that we measure up to them. The Security Council, we hope, will make good on its promises and act expeditiously with a View to deploying a fully fledged peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo when the time is ripe. Half-hearted measures or an unduly delayed response will receive severest criticism from Member State. The horrors of Rwanda are a grim reminder, and must not be allowed to repeat themselves in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“As with all fragile peace agreements, the longer one waits to take the necessary action to back the implementation of the agreement, the more likely it is to fall apart. The Lusaka Agreement is no exception. My delegation is of the view that we are taking too long in trying to get it right. It is important that we get it right, but we are taking too long in our planning; we are taking too long to get prepared. The time to act is now. My delegation appreciates that there are problems which must be addressed by the parties; one example is the appointment of a facilitator. It is our responsibility to remind them of their obligation to solve these problems. Again, we commend the United States Government, and Ambassador Holbrooke in particular, for belling the cat in this regard and for Ambassador Holbrooke's timely visit to the region.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“While we hail them for the good judgement they have demonstrated by signing the Lusaka Agreement, we urge them to show greater political will and commitment to the Lusaka process. There can be no military solution to this fratricidal conflict. The parties should therefore work together in good faith and contribute positively to the smooth implementation of the Lusaka Agreement. That agreement is the most viable one for the restoration of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and must therefore be implemented. But we need to move fast in order to maintain the momentum that has been generated by the signing of the Agreement. The longer we wait, the more likely the Agreement is to unravel and fighting to resume.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We are grateful to all those States that have provided financing or logistical support to the JMC, and we encourage others that can do so to help. Notwithstanding the fact that the parties have signed a Ceasefire Agreement, the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo still constitutes a cause of grave concern. My delegation would like to take this opportunity to renew its call on all the parties to respect the Ceasefire Agreement and to use the JMC more effectively to deal with allegations of violations of the Ceasefire Agreement. But at the same time, we have to defeat the negative forces, the forces of evil and darkness. We would like to emphasize that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot end without the full commitment and cooperation of all the parties concerned.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We hope that the team will very soon be allowed to continue its work. We note with satisfaction, however, that the Secretariat has taken the administrative measures to deploy the 500 military observers in due course. My delegation is gratified to note that the Joint Military Commission (JMC) established by the parties to the Agreement is up and running. So is the political Committee. This is a good start, and we encourage the parties to continue their work. At this juncture, my delegation would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to the Government of the United States for its generous contribution to the JMC. We understand that those two institutions of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement will require financing if they are to function effectively.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you and your delegation once again, Mr. President, for organizing this important meeting of the Security Council. The meeting on partnership with Africa, held yesterday under your presidency, was clear testimony of your Government's commitment to peace and stability in Africa. We commend you once again for these important initiatives. My delegation is also grateful to Mr. Miyet for his comprehensive briefing. My delegation eagerly awaits the report of the technical survey team and the report of the Secretary- General on the future of United Nations deployments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a pity, though, that the technical survey team has been experiencing some difficulties in carrying out its tasks; consequently, the Secretariat cannot, for now, submit its recommendations.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“It would reduce aid budgets and the United Nations budget. It would open up new markets and would remove havens for terrorism that will increasingly threaten the West".”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“If we can share this type of information - meaning that each time a cargo plane is leaving your airfield or a vessel leaving your seaports, you would then inform your counterparts in Africa - we may not be able to eliminate it on the spot, but we are certain that in the long run, we will be able to deal a deadly blow to this traffic. We can also encourage the adoption of legislation or other legal measures making the Violation of arms embargoes a criminal offence. Mr. President, I wish to conclude by quoting again from one of your statements, this time when you addressed the "Challenges for governance in Africa" conference on 13 September 1999, in which you said, "Yet, common humanitarianism aside, the success of Africa is vital to Western interests. Its success could create a much safer, more environmentally sustainable world.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“The Secretary-General was also requested to assist the OAU and subregional organizations to establish logistics assessment teams through encouraging joint training and simulation exercises and seminars with African peacekeepers, thus helping Africa to develop peacekeeping capacity. T hirdly, as to what additional instruments the Council can bring to bear to help solve and, where possible, prevent conflicts in Africa, we cited the control of the flow of arms into Africa. We all know that in this area no flights would leave any airfield in your countries without your intelligence officials knowing about it.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“Another possibility is encouraging the nomination of joint special representatives. Security Council resolution 1197 (1998) also invited the Secretary-General to, among other things, adopt measures for an improved flow of information between the United Nations and the OAU and between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. Other measures could include exchanges of staff and arranging joint expert meetings on certain specific areas of early warning and prevention. With regard to the other issue, of how to make needs for African peacekeeping more effective and in real time, we made reference to two presidential statements, use of the United Nations Trust Fund for Improving Preparedness for Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in Africa and encouraging contributions to the OAU Peace Fund.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“There are other means as well, such as through contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for Improving Preparedness for Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in Africa- though, as colleagues have said, it is not enough to rely only on trust funds - and indeed the OAU Peace Fund, and the establishment of a Council of Elders within the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. With the establishment of a United Nations Preventive Action Liaison Office in the OAU, Security Council resolution 1197 (1998) called on the Secretary- General to consider ways and means of making the Office more effective, as well as the possibility of appointing liaison officers to peacekeeping operations of the OAU and of subregional organizations in Africa that are authorized by the Council.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“The first of these was Security Council resolution 1197 (1998) of 18 September, on the strengthening of coordination between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the area of conflict prevention and the maintenance of peace. The second was resolution 1196 (1998) of 16 September, on arms embargoes, and the third was resolution 1209 (1998) of 19 November 1998 on the illicit transfer and accumulation of small arms in Africa. We can see from these few examples that the legal framework is already in place to improve coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and the OAU. The Cooperation Agreement between the OAU and the United Nations offers many possibilities, but to be more focused one can cite the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“We are even more encouraged by the United Kingdom Government's renewed commitment to Africa. Here again, "Britain will continue to play an active role as a friend of Africa in the Security Council. And when United Nations action can stop war or build peace, we will back it to the hilt". Now let us get down to business, starting with the question of how to improve coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the key subregional organizations, including coordination of joint activity on specific issues. As we pointed out earlier, the Secretary- General's report on the causes of conflict in Africa gave rise to the adoption of three very important resolutions and some presidential statements.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“His landmark report, "The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa" (S/1998/318) led to the adoption of very important resolutions incorporating the issues that are being discussed today; we will come back to them later. My delegation could not have agreed more with you, Mr. Minister, when on two occasions you stated that Africa still suffers from international policy neglect. You went on to state that Africa had been manipulated by both sides through proxy wars and client states during the cold war, at whose end both West and East virtually turned their backs. We are heartened to note, however, that the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, following Ambassador Holbrooke's visit to Africa, will support the African renaissance.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“The Gambian delegation is extremely grateful to the United Kingdom delegation for reserving a slot devoted to Africa in the Council's programme of work for this month. We are also honoured to see you, Mr. President, a son of Africa, presiding over today's meeting. There could not have been a more suitable person than you to do so. Having read some of the statements that you made recently on Africa, we are honoured to have you with us. I would like to thank Sir Jeremy for making those statements available to me. Once one starts reading them, one cannot stop; and I soon developed a voracious appetite for more. My delegation is also grateful to the Secretary-General for leading the discussions and for his thought-provoking remarks.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“It is our fervent hope, however, that with the full deployment of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the overall security situation would be improved tremendously and we urge the Secretariat to accelerate the process. As far as the Gambia military observers are concerned, we are ready to deploy as soon as we are given the green light by the Secretariat. However, we have a question for Mr. Miyet concerning possible civilian police for Sierra Leone. We understand that there are 6 police advisors in Sierra Leone at the moment, and my delegation would like to know what plans the Secretariat has to deploy civilian police to Sierra Leone.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“This is very encouraging indeed. As Mr. Miyet has rightly pointed out, this is an ongoing process and we need to monitor it closely. At this juncture, my delegation would like to place on record its appreciation for the support given to the DDR programme by a number of Governments led by the United Kingdom in collaboration with the World Bank. Au revers de la medaille - on the flip side of the coin, as the French saying goes - my delegation is perturbed by the poor human rights situation that continues to prevail in the country. Both RUF and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) are still holding adults and children in captivity. It is difficult to understand how leaders of RUF and AFRC are part of the Government and yet their followers continue to wreak havoc around the country.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, first of all my delegation would like to commend you for arranging this open briefing on the situation in Sierra Leone. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report and to Mr. Bernard Miyet for the update. It is gratifying to note that progress has been made, notably the participation of the rebels in the Government and the registration of the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone (RUF) as a political party. Similarly, in the vital area of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), although the response of the ex-combatants appears timid and slow, there is reason to believe that with the continued support of the donor community the programme will gather momentum. We are delighted to learn that some child soldiers have reported to the DDR programme.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“It is not necessary to emphasize the more urgent need to attain the target that was set many, many years ago to increase official development assistance to 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product. Perhaps that goal will be attained in the next millennium. It is so within reach, yet it is so difficult to summon the necessary political will to make it happen. Anyway, coming back to the point of departure - the role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts - my delegation is of the view that by scrupulously following the guidelines outlined in the draft presidential statement, the Council's credibility will be enhanced, its authority strengthened and a stable world guaranteed to all.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“In this context, we immediately think of the question of small arms, light weapons and arms embargoes - to mention only a few areas. Sustained, concerted international efforts are, however, not only desirable but absolutely necessary to tackle the more difficult problems of post-conflict peace-building and, more generally, the hardest nut of all to crack: poverty eradication. As you know, Sir, and as is widely recognized, poverty is one of the root causes of armed conflicts. My delegation is pleased that this point is raised in the draft presidential statement, which goes on to underscore the need for all United Nations organs and agencies to act accordingly to assist Member States to eradicate poverty.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“We hope to see the consolidation of this cooperation in the months ahead, with the imminent deployment of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). A successful operation in Sierra Leone augurs well for other operations in other parts of Africa. We have in mind the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where we anxiously look forward to meaningful cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. It must also be recognized that for the Security Council to succeed in resolving problems around the globe the parties concerned must also cooperate fully and unconditionally - be they State or non-State actors. Other situations require concerted international efforts in the short and medium term in order to have an impact.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“While recognizing the primary responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, we are mindful of the important role that regional organizations and arrangements can also play to complement the efforts of the Security Council. We are all too familiar with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter on such arrangements, but there should always be close coordination between the Council and regional organizations. In this connection, my delegation notes with satisfaction the growing cooperation between the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its military observer group, the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), notably in Sierra Leone.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“But the Council must not be selective in its approach. Furthermore, as the old saying goes - and as my friend, the Ambassador of Malaysia, has already noted - prevention is better than cure. It is one thing, though, to be forewarned, but it is quite another to take urgent and appropriate action. In this regard, the role of the Secretary- General, as provided for in Article 99 of the Charter, gains added importance. Unfortunately, experience has shown that more often than not the Security Council does too little, too late, especially when the situation concerns Africa. This is sad to say, but nonetheless true. We have witnessed situations in which encouraging statements were made, only to be followed by the Council's developing cold feet later on, when the support and solidarity of the rest of the international community were most needed.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“President, and your delegation for coming up with a most comprehensive draft presidential statement, which in our View constitutes a blueprint for the Security Council, showing how it can play the preponderant role that the whole world expects it to play in the prevention of armed conflicts. The draft contains very useful guidelines to help the Security Council be more proactive, rather than being too often characterized as a helpless spectator as dramatic situations unfold. In this context, we would like to place greater emphasis on the usefulness of early-waming mechanisms, preventive diplomacy and preventive deployment. This includes, of course, Security Council missions abroad. Various examples have been cited in which the Security Council succeeded in defusing potential conflicts.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“Let us not be lulled into believing that relative security and stability in some parts of the world is enough to allow us to proclaim that our collective security is guaranteed. Unless and until there is reasonable security and stability everywhere, we cannot assume that everybody is safe. It is certainly not by safeguarding our narrow national interests, to the detriment of the common good, that we can call this world a safe place. It is by safeguarding our collective security that our nightmares will end. Otherwise, we will continue to have sleepless nights. This is why my delegation commends you, Mr.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“But the weight of power and prestige is only worthy if it draws inspiration from the principle of fair play and even-handedness in dealing with all conflicts, no matter where they occur on this planet that we all share. Then, and only then, could the Council continue to lay claim to the moral authority to offer solutions to problems of common concern to all. Since we joined the Security Council we have been insisting on the need to redouble efforts to demonstrate to those that we represent that, irrespective of their area of origin, all the Council members - permanent and elected alike - will show the same degree of enthusiasm and resolve in dealing with any conflict situation.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“My delegation would like to join previous speakers in expressing its gratitude to you, Mr. President, and your delegation for arranging this open debate on such a broad and important topic, "Role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts". We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for setting the tone of today's debate. There could not have been a better time, as we approach a new millennium, to collectively remind this important United Nations organ - the Security Council - of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, in order words, for our collective security. We have no doubt whatsoever that the Security Council, with its power and prestige, has both the capacity and the ability to fulfil this fundamental obligation.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“We support the draft resolution before us in the conviction that, if we are really concerned with and committed to the alleviation of the suffering of the Iraqi people, we should aim at a more comprehensive and integrated approach to the whole question of Iraq. That is why my delegation believes also that this is a question of resolve, and that the time has now come to finalize the text of a comprehensive draft resolution on Iraq.”
1999-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4070 (1999) · source
“In our view, there is only one answer: giving a sense of purpose to their common institutions, as emphasized by Ambassador Greenstock. There is no other way. Finally, we join those who spoke before us in mourning the victims of the recent air disaster in Kosovo, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“With the reduction of military spending by 15 per cent, as agreed by all the parties, we hope that the resulting savings will be spent in more productive areas, such as making proper arrangements for the return of refugees. This is one area where we need to redouble efforts. But again, in the final analysis, a lot depends on the attitude of the leadership as a whole. The concept of ownership comes into play yet again. The rest of the international community can only assist. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their leaders have the final say on how to shape their common destiny. The Joint Presidency understands that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in Europe. But what does it take for Bosnia and Herzegovina to play its rightful role in Europe and, indeed, in the comity of nations?”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Unless and until they are pursued and brought to justice, there can be no lasting peace. The process of healing is incomplete without justice being done. This will also guarantee the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe, among other things. In this connection, we welcome the establishment of a State border service as part of the strategy in the fight against corruption. Thus, the importance of the State border service cannot be over- emphasized. Similarly, the intention of the Joint Presidency to create a permanent secretariat is also a step in the right direction. Equally worthy of notice is the Joint Presidency's reaffirmation of support for the adoption of the permanent election law.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Dayton shows the way forward towards the ultimate goal of a multi-ethnic, multi- cultural society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We note with great satisfaction that the Joint Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to the Dayton Accords. The adoption of the New York Declaration is ample demonstration of this commitment. We are nonetheless mindful of the fact that whilst efforts are being made for the smooth implementation of the Dayton Accords, the anti-Dayton forces are also active. These forces of evil and darkness, as Ambassador Holbrooke calls them, must be challenged and neutralized. This is why it is important also to cooperate sincerely with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to bring to justice those indictees who are still at large.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Thirdly, holding this meeting today - the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords - could not be more timely. Last but not least, the delegation of the Gambia also acknowledges the presence of an impressive gathering of United States Congresswomen and Congressmen. The United Nations as a whole needs such interaction with the United States Congress. It is a mutually beneficial relationship, and we invite them to come again and to attend more United Nations meetings, We thank Ambassador Holbrooke for taking this laudable initiative. Having heard from all the Members of the Joint Presidency, we can say without any fear of contradiction that we are all on the same wavelength. In other words, there is no alternative to Dayton.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, our meeting today takes on particular importance for several reasons, and it does not require a major leap of the imagination to understand why. First, we are honoured to see you, Sir, preside over our deliberations, and my delegation would like to express its most profound gratitude to your delegation for all the contributions it continues to make in the quest for a lasting solution to the complex problem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The convening of this meeting provides clear testimony to those efforts. Secondly, we are greatly honoured by the gracious presence of the three members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Joint Presidency, and therefore my delegation would like to join previous speakers in extending a warm welcome to them and to thank them for finding time to attend this meeting.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“We therefore appeal to the donor community to resume assistance to Burundi as soon as possible. It cannot be gainsaid that the present civil war in Burundi is hampering economic development. The belligerents must understand this fact and stop their people from suffering any further. They must get their acts together, lay down their arms and negotiate genuinely and in good faith for a final settlement. This would be a welcome tribute to the memory of Mwalimu Nyerere. In this way, his efforts will not have gone in vain. We hope that the Burundian parties will see reason and heed the call of the rest of the international community.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We urge all sides to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of all humanitarian personnel. The presence of combatants in refugee camps is also a source of grave concern to us. This unfortunate state of affairs has been largely responsible for the numerous reports of executions. The civilian character of refugee camps must be respected by all concerned. The latest report on the food situation in Burundi is very bleak, and it is feared that next season will not be any better. Relief assistance is therefore badly needed to avert an imminent humanitarian crisis. In the same vein, it is worrisome for my delegation to note that, notwithstanding the lifting of the sanctions against Burundi, the economic situation continues to deteriorate. My delegation wholeheartedly supports the expansion of aid to the Government of Burundi.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We understand the concerns of the Government of Burundi, but we fear that putting people in camps, away from their farms, may not be the best solution. We understand the constraints of the Government, but there might be better alternatives. Having heard from the Permanent Representative of Burundi this morning that this is only a temporary measure, our fears have now been allayed, and we look forward to the early return of the families concerned to their respective homes. The humanitarian situation in the country is deteriorating very rapidly. The belligerents are not helping the situation, either. With the recent trend of calculated attacks against humanitarian personnel, the corridors for the delivery of humanitarian assistance are shrinking significantly.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is our View that we should build on what has been achieved already rather than going back to square one, especially at this time, when more and more civilians are being targeted. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that not even humanitarian and United Nations personnel are spared. This state of affairs is unacceptable to the international community. We are outraged by these barbaric and despicable acts committed against civilians, both local and international. We therefore condemn the attack in Rutana and all attacks against unarmed non-combatants. We call on the authorities in Burundi to investigate these incidents and to prosecute those responsible with the full vigour of the law. We must emphasize that it is the responsibility of every Government to ensure the protection of its citizens.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“As a first step, a facilitator should be identified as soon as possible to continue the important work started by Mwalimu Nyerere. The new facilitator should be someone of high calibre, morally and politically. A former African head of State, if possible, agreeable to the Burundian parties, would be the ideal choice. We note with keen interest that the parties concerned are already considering some personalities and that they will be discussed at the upcoming summit of the countries of the Great Lakes region. We encourage them, in consultation with the United Nations and all the parties concerned, to reach an agreement on a facilitator as quickly as possible. The Arusha process, through its committees, has made progress in many areas. The work of these committees should be continued. We cannot afford to start the process all over again.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the initiative that you have taken to organize this meeting. We are also grateful to Mr. Fall for his very useful briefing. The situation in Burundi is a source of concern for my delegation. Notwithstanding the enormous time and energy invested by the international community to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, there is yet to be a breakthrough. My delegation would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere for his preponderant role and invaluable contribution in the Arusha process. With the demise of Mwalimu Nyerere and the resumption of hostilities, it would appear that the Burundian factions are even further away from peace. There is therefore an urgent need to redouble efforts with a View to salvaging the flagging peace process.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The forensic and other evidence gathered so far is compelling enough to convince those States that are swimming against the tide to change their minds and cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor. If not, this Council should assume its responsibility fully. We can understand why the Prosecutor emphasized that her Office is not seeking the Council's support lightly. We hope that the Council's support will not be found wanting. Let us not let her down. We cannot afford to let her down. We hope that the Prosecutor's appeal will not fall on deaf ears this time. We wish Ms. Del Ponte success in her endeavour.”
1999-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4063 (1999) · source
“This is why we believe that, with regard to the Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the States concerned should cooperate with the Prosecutor by arresting without further delay the war criminals who have been indicted. If safe havens continue to be provided for those on the run, our collective endeavour to promote international criminal law will be seriously undermined, and, indeed, the powerful mechanisms for the enforcement of international humanitarian law, which these two Tribunals are meant to embody, would end up devoid of any raison d'etre. We note with satisfaction that the Stabilization Force (SFOR) is cooperating with the Office of the Prosecutor, but we deplore the fact that some indictees are beyond the reach of SFOR because they are being given protection by some States.”
1999-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4063 (1999) · source
“My delegation is grateful to the Prosecutor, Ms. Carla Del Ponte, for her comprehensive briefing and for the amount of work she has done so far since taking office. We anxiously look forward to her Visit to Rwanda, and we will reserve our comments on the work of the Rwanda Tribunal until she has the opportunity to Visit that country. We are tempted, though, to commend a number of African countries for their cooperation with the Rwanda Tribunal. It is as a result of such cooperation that during previous briefings the relative success of the Rwanda Tribunal was mentioned. What do we learn from this? The answer is simple. The cooperation of States is indispensable. Otherwise, there is very little that these Tribunals can do to bring these criminals to justice.”
1999-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4063 (1999) · source
“This is exactly what this draft resolution is offering to the people of Sierra Leone, and we hope that they will measure up to the challenge and strike while the iron is hot.”
1999-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4054 (1999) · source
“We also support the tasks to be carried out by UNAMSIL, as provided for in the draft resolution under consideration. My delegation notes that the plight of children is among the most pressing challenges facing Sierra Leone. We welcome the commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL and others to help address this problem. We are glad to note that important questions such as this one have been addressed in the draft resolution. On the whole the draft addresses the most important issues facing Sierra Leone, and we will therefore vote in favour of it. Once again, my delegation is heartened to note that the ceasefire agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the RUF is holding. The people of Sierra Leone now have an opportunity to repair the damage done to their country in this long and fratricidal conflict.”
1999-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4054 (1999) · source
“We therefore welcome the courageous position of the Council on Sierra Leone this time, which augurs well for future peacekeeping operations in Africa. We are indeed encouraged by what Ambassador Holbrooke has just said. It is also true that when we understand the importance of putting our own house in order, by placing the collective interest above our narrow individual interests, the support and solidarity of the other members of the international community will not be found wanting. The deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force with a robust mandate capable of responding to threats to the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to the security of civilians is essential if we are to succeed in Sierra Leone. In this context, my delegation welcomes the establishment of UNAMSIL with a strength of 6,000 military personnel.”
1999-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4054 (1999) · source
“Meanwhile, my delegation welcomes the activities of the Joint Implementation Committee and the Joint Monitoring Commission for the important work they are doing. The situation in Sierra Leone is clearly very fragile. There is an urgent need for security, without which it will not be possible to carry out the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the 45,000 ex-combatants, thereby removing the security threat. As we all know, ECOMOG cannot do this alone. We have always argued that the United Nations cannot subcontract its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Lack of financial and other resources has never been and will never be a legitimate excuse for abdicating this responsibility.”
1999-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4054 (1999) · source
“My delegation would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and the troop-contributing countries for their selfless sacrifice, without which the whole situation in Sierra Leone would have been an entirely different story today. The new mandate for ECOMOG adopted by ECOWAS is a clear indication of the positive evolution of the situation, and we are confident that the ECOMOG forces will continue to play their role with prowess and professionalism. With the imminent deployment of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), it is not only desirable but also absolutely necessary to establish close cooperation and coordination with ECOMOG.”
1999-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4054 (1999) · source